WVS NEWS: Court Orders Reopening of Vape Shops in Pakistan
The petition, filed by a group of vape shop owners and industry representatives, challenged the ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes and related products. They argued that the shops were sealed without prior notice or due process, despite being registered and paying customs duties.
They also highlighted the ongoing contradiction: while the federal government allows vape imports, the Punjab province has imposed a unilateral ban. The court had earlier declined to order the immediate reopening of e-cigarette shops that were sealed under the Punjab government’s recent ban. Instead, it issued notices to key provincial officials – such as the Punjab chief secretary, home secretary, and capital city police officer – instructing them to submit written replies ahead of the upcoming hearing.
Contradictory approaches
Sources within public health advocacy circles have welcomed the ban as a necessary precaution, while industry voices say the lack of regulatory clarity is hurting legitimate businesses and undermining harm-reduction efforts.
Public health advocates, such as Syed Ali Wasif Naqvi, head of policy advocacy and outreach at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, described the ban as a “public health milestone”. Ali Wasif Naqvi cited rapid growth in youth vaping and the need for urgent regulation in his opinion piece. Meanwhile, industry voices expressed concern over conflicting policies: federal-level import permissions versus provincial bans, which they say are “hurting legitimate businesses and undermining harm-reduction efforts”. The legal stay is seen as essential to provide short-term clarity.
At this stage, justice Anwaar Hussain issued a written stay, directing the Punjab administration to avoid further action against vape businesses until the court reached a final verdict. The hearing has been adjourned until 3rd July, and the government has been granted additional time to file its reply.
This case is being closely monitored by stakeholders across Pakistan, as the court’s final decision could set a precedent for how provinces regulate nicotine alternatives.
– Leesha K Nair ECigIntelligence contributing writer
